23:53 - Sunny PagliaccioNote to self: Do NOT open links on max volume in the middle of a quiet night. Otherwise, not bad. :D

23:52 - ApothecaryFast food workers planning a strike in support of $15/hour wages next month. I'm a tutor in a reading lab at a college and I don't even make that much, a bit of an overestimation of one's importance, don'tcha think?

A friend once told me that when you are a Christian and a fan of Heavy Metal music you live in two worlds and both despise you. While that statement is not entirely accurate there is a great deal of truth to it. Ever since the birth of Heavy Metal music in the mid 1960's the Christian Church by in large has been opposed to the music and culture which in turn only helped to fuel anti-Christian mentality throughout the scene. The relationship between Metal and Christianity seems to be on a constant downward spiral.

As a lifelong Heavy Metal enthusiast (known as a Metalhead) and a follower of Jesus Christ I felt very upset with the way Christians have reacted to Metal. For too long I would hear pastors and missionaries talk about all the work they were doing around the world in the name of Christ, which is definitely a great thing, but not once did I ever hear someone in church say anything about ministering to the guy in the Iron Maiden shirt down the street. Here is a culture that is almost entirely comprised of social outcasts and broken people and lay emphasis upon that notion and Christians were ignoring them. What was worst than just ignoring the problems faced was the way Christians treated the Metalheads with protests, album burnings and even banning bands from playing in certain cities (or even nations!) all the time preaching a message of "love and peace."

It was exactly those sorts of folks that Jesus got pissed off at. The self righteous, religious and egocentric folks that we have today are really no different than those who executed Jesus 2,000 years ago. I can totally sympathies with my non-Christian brethren in the Metal scene; televangelists, street preachers and the ilk drive me mad!

On another note, as a Christian I became very disillusioned with worship. Tradition hymns were not moving my spirit and contemporary praise music turned me off. I honestly felt like there was something wrong with me when I would see others around me in a worshipful mood and I felt nothing. Then one night when I was at a Metal concert I had a huge spiritual awakening which showed me that just as some people can worship with choirs and organs I could praise God with distorted guitars, thundering drums and powerhouse vocals. If I felt connected to God this way surely others out there could too.

So I did something about it: I started a new ministry.

The Flame Within is a Christian ministry designed with the purpose of providing an alternative way of worshiping God: with Metal! For those who do not enjoy typical worship music and realize that there are other sources for praising God, The Flame Within feature Christian Metal bands that have a positive message that can be applied to the Christian walk. Services also feature inspiring and thoughtful sermons and discussions as well as prayer and counseling.
Some of you may have questions. Questions like: WHAT? Why would you do something this, frankly, weird?
Let me start by telling you why we are not here. We are not here because we feel sorry for you. We are not here to look down on people and say things like: "Those poor Metalheads, I bet if we talk to them real nice, they'll straighten right up and become good little clones."

We are not here because we think you are an under-marketed-to demographic that has been neglected and who needs to hear our advertisement for our new product: Christianity, NOW WITH METAL!
We are here because at different points in our lives and for different reasons this culture has influenced who we are and how we think, and informed our Christian faith. Let me give you an example.

People in the Metal culture have a real advantage in confronting the Christian message. I believe most people in the Metal culture are here because we live in a terribly shallow, silly, weak willed culture and Metal says there is something terribly, terribly, wrong with this culture. Metal people understand that the world is not a warm fuzzy happy place full of sweetness and light where we can hold hands and sing 'kum by ya' and…you get the idea.

People in the Metal scene know there is something deeply wrong with the world. And Metal often expresses our outrage. Instead of pretending everything is OK or anesthetizing ourselves with consumerism, self pity, or poison, Metalheads tend to confront things head on. This is unbelievably important because it is the hardest part of the Christian message for most people to grasp and Metalheads understand it from the get-go. Metalheads know something is really, really wrong.

The thing that is wrong with the world is called sin.

I'd bet most of you have been in a church or somewhere and had someone tell you about Jesus sometime or other. For most people in American churches the story went like this: There is this magic hippie in the sky and if you have a really good nervous breakdown at the front of the church you'll be saved (but we don't have time to explain what that means) then you can join the youth group and something about some great new friends and a t-shirt…..sound familiar? I was afraid of that.

It turns out the Metalheads were right. The world is broken. We know this because our Master told us. Christians have a technical term for this broken-ness. It's called original sin: the tendency in the human heart towards evil. It is this we need to be saved from, this is the cycle we break by confronting our own nature. Facing it and walking through it and away from it. Christians look at the horror, pain and suffering of this world and our own part in it and our own desire for it and say: "No."

The real message of Christ is not the moral teachings, which are beautiful, or the miracles which show his ability to care for people. The REAL story is that they killed Him stone dead and He walked out of the grave. The ancient creed says "He descended into Hell." Then He walked out the other side. This is why we call Him Lord. Look up the word: A Lord is someone you owe allegiance to because of his power. His power is such that we call Him Lord, God of God, Light of Light, and true God of true God. It is by believing in this resurrection and in its power that we become saved from the death and decay He conquered.

I've gotta tell you: I hate those silly self righteous alter calls you see in most churches. I don't care how much sweating and cryin' you do tonight. I care very much that you understand we are here because the person and the power of a man who was God has fundamentally altered who and what we are. It turned our heads around so much there is nothing we can do but tell people about it. So I'm not going to do one of those alter call deals. I'm just gong to ask you: Have you had enough? Are you tired? Are you ready to find in Christ the only antidote to the truly awesome disaster that is this life?

The horror of this world has no power over Him. It has no power over His people. A lot of Christians try to make the case that when you accept Christ you have this fun, happy, exciting and carefree life with no worries, kind of like the end of the Wizard of OZ. Jesus never said those things. He promised that our lives would be transformed, that we would not be creatures of this earth anymore. The evil of this world has no authority over us anymore. We are still here, but we are not afraid. We are not afraid.

Well I agree about ''you live in two worlds and both despise you'' its truth seems you're outlaw in botah side in front, but for me it dosnt metter I dont care what other says. Dont want me in concert fine, but even you're metalhead non will kick you out from church if you are believer

I agree about it why people dont fight against hip hop? IMO those anti staff people are narrow minded, who still lives at 19th century and are against anuthing new even running watter

We will see who's sinner after life because , many of those religiuss folks are more sinners how many metalheads

Sin we lost menaing of sin, just lost like meaning of all nowdays
but we all are mortals, die faster or leither and how we live and where we go we will see and I dont care what people say about me in boath sides , simply dont care, if they dont like me , fine whit me, but one day we all can open this discussion in afterlife. We will see where each of us go and who's living whit sin,

I tell you another thing that is wrong with this world and that is religion. i have nothing against people who are christians, i have several friends who are, but the antidote ain't beliving in jesus, it is Accepting things for what it is, belive in your self, learn from your experiences and share your love.

The following is a stereotype I totally disagree with:Here is a culture that is almost entirely comprised of social outcasts and broken people

Maybe it's the metal circles I move in, but withing those circles it is actually the opposite.

Might be different in Europe as well...As much as I hate stereotypes it really does apply to my group of friends at least. For a while I would have disagreed with it, but after I got to know a lot my friends better I noticed we've all got some serious problems, I don't think its a coincidence we all grouped together and listen to angry music

The following is a stereotype I totally disagree with:Here is a culture that is almost entirely comprised of social outcasts and broken people

Maybe it's the metal circles I move in, but withing those circles it is actually the opposite.

I don't like stereotypes either. But stereotypes exist because they are based upon true facts. That is why I used the word 'almost' because I know plenty of Metalheads who are not totally FUBAR. At the same time I know a great deal more who have medium to sever problems.

Then again, most of the world has issues. It is the fact that Metalheads understand that there is something wrong. I mean, just listen to old Metallica albums, their lyrics are filled with those observations. Heck, I even have some problems that I still wrestle with on a daily basis.

As a Christian my world view encompasses the aspect that we are all broken in someway. None of us is 100% and we all need work in some area or another. That is a gist of that statement.

Other than for that, what were your thought of the rest of the article?

Other than for that, what were your thought of the rest of the article?

Well, I liked the fact that your viewpoint is pretty unorthodox for sure!!! Especially now that Hellfest once again has problems with stupid christian extremists...
However, I didn't really like the second half, because it sounded a bit like preaching. Well, at least to my ears.

Anyway I'm glad this article exist, just for the principle of expressing a different and interesting viewpoint on metal and religion.

Other than for that, what were your thought of the rest of the article?

Well, I liked the fact that your viewpoint is pretty unorthodox for sure!!! Especially now that Hellfest once again has problems with stupid christian extremists...
However, I didn't really like the second half, because it sounded a bit like preaching. Well, at least to my ears.

Anyway I'm glad this article exist, just for the principle of expressing a different and interesting viewpoint on metal and religion.

I am just curious about you statement about my viewpoint being unorthodox. I am not agreeing or disagreeing with you, I am just interested to hear more of your perspective on this manner.

I am just curious about you statement about my viewpoint being unorthodox. I am not agreeing or disagreeing with you, I am just interested to hear more of your perspective on this manner.

Simply, unorthodox because, as you said, Christianity and metal aren't really supposed to fit well together. Just look at the reactions concerning Christian bands, or to the contrary just look at the christian fanatics trying to ban bands from playing and stuff.
So, a viewpoint that combines both is unorthodox, moreso if you take the root of the word (orthodoxy = the normal, 'right' way of the church).
This wasn't a critic of your idea(l)s, on the contrary as an ex-Christian I rather think your viewpoint is sound (in my miscreant way of thinking).

Simply, unorthodox because, as you said, Christianity and metal aren't really supposed to fit well together. Just look at the reactions concerning Christian bands, or to the contrary just look at the christian fanatics trying to ban bands from playing and stuff.
So, a viewpoint that combines both is unorthodox, moreso if you take the root of the word (orthodoxy = the normal, 'right' way of the church).
This wasn't a critic of your idea(l)s, on the contrary as an ex-Christian I rather think your viewpoint is sound (in my miscreant way of thinking).

AH, got it. Thanks for the comment, I jusy wanted to see where you were coming from because several people on this site have said that I am unorthodox because of this. Maybe it is correct to say that I am conservative in my theology and liberal in my political/social thoughts (or as liberal as an anachist can get).

AH, got it. Thanks for the comment, I jusy wanted to see where you were coming from because several people on this site have said that I am unorthodox because of this. Maybe it is correct to say that I am conservative in my theology and liberal in my political/social thoughts (or as liberal as an anachist can get).

I wouldn't say conservative in any way, unless you consider that following a religion is conservative...

I wouldn't say conservative in any way, unless you consider that following a religion is conservative...

What I mean by conservative theology is that I hold to the traditional doctrines that have been apart of Christianity from the begining. There is a good deal of liberal theology out there that says things like the Tinity can mean what ever you want it to mean. I've even met some people who call themselves "Christians" but don't believe that Jesus is Devine. Stuff like that.

What I mean by conservative theology is that I hold to the traditional doctrines that have been apart of Christianity from the begining. There is a good deal of liberal theology out there that says things like the Tinity can mean what ever you want it to mean. I've even met some people who call themselves "Christians" but don't believe that Jesus is Devine. Stuff like that.

Interesting article Dane. Something tells me there would be a lot less backlash against Christianity if more Christians shared some of your cultural perspectives. I've been down that road and found its not my calling, but I can respect that it is yours.

It's my experience that metalheads, at least the ones I know, are for the most part social misfits. I know I am, though I probably wouldn't strike you that way if you met me where I work (I manage a retail store). I have a wife and kids, coming up on our thirteenth anniversary. Actually, for my generation, being married that long (and both of us only married the once!) proves I'm a social outcast.

Your take on the crossover significance between metal and Christianity of the notion that there is something fundamentally wrong with the world is an interesting one, though of course I draw a different conclusion as to what it is.

I'm glad I took the time to read this.

I hate to nitpick, but you might want to get to know the difference between "alter" (change) and "altar" (a table used for religious rites). I'm not generally a grammar nazi, but that one's a major pet peeve

Interesting article Dane. Something tells me there would be a lot less backlash against Christianity if more Christians shared some of your cultural perspectives. I've been down that road and found its not my calling, but I can respect that it is yours.

Thanks for that comment. I can totally understand this statement. While there are so many "Christians" out there who seem to do more harm then good there are also many who are truly stiving to fullfill the message of Christ. I've found that so much of it has to do with the media, as the love to portray Christians and arrogant, dumb and judgemental. There is no denying that there are people like that with Christianity. It just amazes me how most people think of folk like Pat Robertson and not Mother Theresa.

Thanks for that comment. I can totally understand this statement. While there are so many "Christians" out there who seem to do more harm then good there are also many who are truly stiving to fullfill the message of Christ. I've found that so much of it has to do with the media, as the love to portray Christians and arrogant, dumb and judgemental. There is no denying that there are people like that with Christianity. It just amazes me how most people think of folk like Pat Robertson and not Mother Theresa.

Even more amazing to me are the number of fundamentalist Evangelicals (SBC, for example) who will tell you that Mother Theresa wasn't even a Christian because she was Catholic and will then laude the likes of Pat Robertson as an outstanding example of a modern Christian.

You are right about the media bias, though. Mainstream media does like to pick out the most vocal and least tolerant types of Christians and portray them as the face of modern Christianity. You know, the ones who are the reason "Jesus, save me from your followers" has become a rather popular bumper sticker.

It is not often that I read, at least oustide the theoretical and literary frame, texts that posit a different perspective on religion.

I find it interesting that you found analogies within the realm of metal and christianity, whereas most approches would tend to find and explore oppositions.

Actually when I was walking home, I saw a priest, a young priest, and he had a beard. He had the collar and normal jeans. And I thought "could he be a metalhead?". lol

yeah like Bad English said, some orthodox priests have beards and long hair(and they wear it in a pony tail) aaaaand they can get married before becoming priests, and are even encouraged to do so to act as council to married couples, plus when they see the altar boy, they don't think "it's been 40 years now, and i'm sure he won't mind, hell, he might even like it!" and begin to do ....inappropriate things.... with them.
cool huh?

Great article, I myself am non-religious (I do believe in a creator of some form, whether it be energy, a God, Goddess, etc etc), though I find the idea of an after life and that we're being watched by the creator to be a bit... impossible. I fucking hate mainstream religion, I hate the holier-than-thou-art followers of it, but of course, I haven't a problem with the open-minded ones.

To be honest though, I know little to nothing about Jesus's actual life. I know that he wasn't actually born on Christmas but rather around October, but not much other than that... and I extremely doubt that much of what the Bible says about Jesus is true.

Even still, here's my view on God/Satan: I doubt that a God would've even created hell, or even an evil counterpart, if he really wanted people to follow him. Having, said that, take a look a todays America, not at all what it seems on the surface. The people are blind, they think they're free, though they follow the most tyrannical of rulers (Wal-Mart, wall street, Disney [lulz], and I'm starting to think Obama's an illuminati douche too) and many will follow without question the word of their "God".

The whole idea of that entire situation seems very... evil, doesn't it? Then think, hmm, maybe the deity that's been on top for thousands of years is nothing but a FRAUD, and the actual savior is the one who's hated and cast out *coughsatancough*, the one who claims to bring freedom to an oppressed land...

Funny, how America is, ruled by a possibly-imaginary tyrant who controls them by misleading them....

Regarding album burnings I'd have to say, best thing that can happen to a band. To burn the albums one has to buy them first as Rob Halford pointed out (or was it Ozzy? Can't remember) and it also gives great publicity.

It is not often that I read, at least oustide the theoretical and literary frame, texts that posit a different perspective on religion.

I find it interesting that you found analogies within the realm of metal and christianity, whereas most approches would tend to find and explore oppositions.

Actually when I was walking home, I saw a priest, a young priest, and he had a beard. He had the collar and normal jeans. And I thought "could he be a metalhead?". lol

yeah like Bad English said, some orthodox priests have beards and long hair(and they wear it in a pony tail) aaaaand they can get married before becoming priests, and are even encouraged to do so to act as council to married couples, plus when they see the altar boy, they don't think "it's been 40 years now, and i'm sure he won't mind, hell, he might even like it!" and begin to do ....inappropriate things.... with them.
cool huh?

yup, but the majority of these orthodox priests in serbia blessed the rifles and knives of chetnik soldiers and encouraged them to slaughter them damn catholics. yes, mostly civilians. photos of these acts leaked in public some time ago.

"For most people in American churches the story went like this: There is this magic hippie in the sky and if you have a really good nervous breakdown at the front of the church you'll be saved (but we don't have time to explain what that means) then you can join the youth group and something about some great new friends and a t-shirt…..sound familiar?"

Reminded me of this... Consequensly, I happens to own one, as it was a present from a friend.

Anyway, it's quite clear that metal not only attracts agnostics or athiests, but also theists. Your church or the book Heavy Metal Islam is an example of that. Speaking of that book, do you know any book that takes up christanity and metal in a simular fashion?

Well dear friend,
I read your article (quick scan to be honest!) and from that, i understand at a degree the "texture" of what you mean. I'd like to tell you that i'm also christian (and from strict denomination-Orthodoxy=Eastern christendom). So far so good... the "problem" with that kind of stuff is when someone is beginning to search the whole thing that is called "Religion"...And the bitterness begins.... we discover (here we cry all together!) that:
religion almost wiped out Europe (the unforgettable dark ages-suppression of science & logic-burning times-witchhunting) - our ancestors murdered (because of their pagan beliefs or not) on the stake for the sake of "religion" - the "happy times" of excursions to the eastern lands (crusades - let's slay the infidels & bathe in their blood!) - pogroms of the past (kill the infidels that prosper at countries (Jews) & the holocaust of 1940-more than 60 millions dead) - destruction of monuments of humanity (Athens-Parthenonas) from fanatic monks-priests - betrayals and alliances with dictators (this has left an awful mark to my country that still today we feel the immense pain that has left, believe me...)- the outrageous profits from "humble monks" at monasteries (off-shore companies, hotels, business of million euros!) - fundamentalists keep exploding in the middle-east - unbelievable exploitation of women (no big deal, all monotheistic "religions" like that)... and...and...and...and....

But what we do when we discover, that all this madness is just a fairy tale that symbolically served the purposes of societies of the bronze age??? Do we really need religion today (organized - by representatives, so-called priests, men of the clothe) - is it helpful to us? Will we keep fighting for beliefs of the past (2009 & the battle rages on!) will we (simple citizens of this beautiful blue planet) keep supporting and justifying this schizophrenia? (apparently in the name of god!)

Well don't get me wrong, as I told you I'm Christian. (Baptized when I was an infant, no chances at all! ) but when it comes in terms of religion & metal…sorry no compromise! (they've taken more than we've received - as M.Akerfeldt would say!)

P.S : All these in a completely friendly mood (I've seen people fighting ridiculously at forums for these matters, please not here at Metalstorm!)
P.S 2: All should watch the entertaining movie Religulous (2008). Trust me…:)

Reminded me of this... Consequensly, I happens to own one, as it was a present from a friend.

I've been waiting for the English translation of that to come out. I'm planning on getting one, and if I like it, I'll order several hundred. What can you tell me about it?

Well, if you are searching for a great tealogical study, I'm afraid you are going to be disapointed. But if you are intrested to read testomonies of metal artists and their way from non-belivers to a beliver of Jesus Christ and God, it could be of intrest. Other then the testimonies, it contains the new testament. Personaly, I see it as only as a cheap marketing trick, I recomend you to go forth with the bible(s) you're currently using.

I just stumbled upon this article and thought I'd say it's one of my favorite pieces featured on this site. I have a terrible relationship with religion (specifically Christianity/Islam) as a result of extremism, but your doctrine seems to be more understandable and it's something I can respect, if not admire. Many statements you made are true, from Christianity and metal's supposed inability to coexist, to most members of the metal community being more or less ostracized (sometimes by our own subconscious desire). Thanks for publishing this, it was enlightening and a joy to read.

I seriously doubt that all of the "troubles and crap in the world today" is because of the "original sin" .. its like what scientologists believe, that all of the fear and negative emotions today re actually confused spirits that dwelled in the bodies of the first humans.

so, sorry .. original sin has nothing to do with today's world ... are you trying to convince me that coz eve took a bite of an apple that we're ALL going to burn in hell coz of that ? ... do you know what hell is ? .. no really. have you ever been burnt by fire even a little bit.. do you know how goddamn painful this is? .. now imagine HELL .. do you believe this 'good' god would fry your ass like BBQ just coz your great grandma took a bite of an apple ? .. no way in hell dude !! .. if that is the case.. then this god more sadistic than Marquis De Sade himself ... (which, contradicts the popular belief that god is good and merciful and he loves all his children) .. so, somethign simply isn't true here.. either the original sin thing is a hoax.. or .. it is true but then god isn't that 'good and awesome' as we think. you can't mix both.. a 'good' god doesnt burn his children coz of their parents sin !

I seriously doubt that all of the "troubles and crap in the world today" is because of the "original sin" .. its like what scientologists believe, that all of the fear and negative emotions today re actually confused spirits that dwelled in the bodies of the first humans.

so, sorry .. original sin has nothing to do with today's world ... are you trying to convince me that coz eve took a bite of an apple that we're ALL going to burn in hell coz of that ? ... do you know what hell is ? .. no really. have you ever been burnt by fire even a little bit.. do you know how goddamn painful this is? .. now imagine HELL .. do you believe this 'good' god would fry your ass like BBQ just coz your great grandma took a bite of an apple ? .. no way in hell dude !! .. if that is the case.. then this god more sadistic than Marquis De Sade himself ... (which, contradicts the popular belief that god is good and merciful and he loves all his children) .. so, somethign simply isn't true here.. either the original sin thing is a hoax.. or .. it is true but then god isn't that 'good and awesome' as we think. you can't mix both.. a 'good' god doesnt burn his children coz of their parents sin !

After reading your post, it is rather clear that you lack a full understanding of both the doctrine of Original Sin and the concept of Hell. But in all honesty, that is not what this article is even about, so in the future, please make posts that are relevant to the article.

Thats so true about christians.
they say dont judge but its ok when a pastor does it.
my parent tell me all the time that just being ignorant and dont care about jesus but its completley false.i had the same problem you did with praising to slow music. i think wat ur doing in ur ministry is veruy impowering and diffferent.

Good article, it gave me a lot to think about you pointed out one of my fave things about metal-we don't say the world is all right and that you have to live in your microscopic world with your tiny office job and clone wife and kids. No, you have to think about the past-the glorius and yet so bloody, you have to think of the future-even in form of fantasy, you have to think of all evil and good inside you and how you connect with other people. Folks who don't do that get the rest of us in trouble.
I haven't found a religion yet. The problem with Christianity is that it feels just as real to me as the, let's say, stories about pagan gods or any other religious sources-they're just STORIES. There's a large part of the Bible that just doesn't sit with me. However, you've pointed out that every one of us has to accept the real life, that you don't have to be afraid, that there is a power and a unity around us that we must build our lives upon. Except you call it Jesus, and I don't really have a name for it

First, I'd like to apologize for not commenting on this riveting and very interesting article before. Had I known it was on, I wouldn't have missed the chance to take my hat off for you for having enough courage up to deal with such sensitive and thought-provoking matter. So I thank you for that .

Now let's begin. As I was saying, I find it quite absorbing but I partially disagree on some of the ideas you've pointed out and the approach that you adopted to write it. I'll explain: First, there's no shadow of doubt that Christianity and metal have locked horns more than once - Actually and to be more specific, the radicals from both sides, who think they own both have (I agree with you on this point) - Nonethless, I, in my humble opinion, think that you should have talked, not only about Christianity but also about the other Abrahamic religions too and possibly as well as East Asian and Indian religions (which means not just the monotheistic faiths), because some of them - as opposed to Christianity whose extremist followers were content to only burn metal shirts with satanic or preaching unorthodox logos - have not only banned metal but music as a whole, with no arguments or recognizable sources whatsoever to support their obviously outrageous way of thinking.

I'll give you an example, I am Muslim and if you read the holy Qur'an from cover to cover you won't find any verse (aya) that forbids or even condemn the act of listening to music and yet there are some extremists who think, with baseless arguments, that we're not allowed to. My point is, there's nothing wrong with neither religions nor metal, they can get along really well, it's just that we have to put an end to this by not even considering what those extremists have to say, unless they have something worth our time. And usually, those who are propagating this hatred, fear and confusion into societies aren't religious at all, they just want to get their way with it by making people believe that the religion in question is lacking tolerance and everything.

Bottom line is, there's nothing wrong with religions, there's nothing wrong with those who happen to be satanists or atheists either, all we have to do is to use our brains instead of doltishly swallowing what the media propel, and understand that we're all the same and everybody is entitled to their own opinions and more importantly, that nobody and i mean nobody owns a thing, and by that I mean, that nobody can speak in the name of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism...And also that we should definitely not hate some religion or some ideology just because some of its so-called followers happen to be narrow-minded. Learn its history first , not from questionable sources or by making an instant "googling" and reading the first article that comes first, but by visiting the territories of that culture, embracing its lifestyle and then forge your own opinion.

If we do all that, i can promise you, we'll see priests, imams and rabbanim wearing Gorgoroth, Darkthrone and Shining shirts and dancing with satan while giving him the finger .

I hope I was clear enough with this and also one more time: Nice article Dane, it was a real pleasure reading it .

Heavy Metal is a very misunderstood genre and underestimate cult, for me religion is something personal I don't mix between music and religion though I really appreciate the matters of life and politics metal music discusses, also religion :-) as Iron Maiden's song says "for the greater good of god" ;-)

It just amazes me how most people think of folk like Pat Robertson and not Mother Theresa.

I don't understand how that can amaze you. The christian right (pat robertson being a major figurehead) controls the direction of america's republican party with their misrepresentation/misuse of religion. ask john mccain.....once he accepted the nomination his choices were guided by them, which made him uncomfortable and lose his identity/individuality. i would vote for the side you probably lean towards in a heartbeat, but never will as long as that influence is their......and sadly that influence has had a more visible and longer sustained impact on americans than mother teresa's.

on a local/state level i vote for the right since they have less of a chance to kill darker skinned people with funny names from funny named places based on their corporate religious interpretation of a bible passage.

great piece.....i wish i had read it earlier. it is a damn shame that the rebellion, individuality and strength of the story of jesus is overshadowed almost completely by the sheepish reserved mentality of the various controlling sects of organized chistianity.

the holy Qur'an from cover to cover you won't find any verse (aya) that forbids or even condemn the act of listening to music and yet there are some extremists who think, with baseless arguments, that we're not allowed to.

Those extremists are really stupid, because there's a lot of fine and clean art in music, especially classical music. Moreover, and honestly, music never fails in diverting my attention from things that are considered to be sinful.
Music purifies the soul.